Prime Day Scams Are on the Rise – Here’s How to Avoid Them, According to the BBB

Amazon Prime Day is one of the biggest shopping events of the year, and scammers know it. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued a warning in late June 2026, ahead of the anticipated sales event, urging shoppers to be extra cautious. Prime Day fraud is not new, but each year the tactics get a little more convincing. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what you can do to keep your money and personal information safe.

What Happened

The BBB released a consumer alert noting a surge in online shopping scams tied to Prime Day. According to the warning, scammers are setting up fake websites that mimic Amazon’s official site, sending phishing emails that appear to come from Amazon, and placing misleading ads on social media for counterfeit or nonexistent goods. The BBB also flagged a rise in “package delivery” scams, where victims receive fake notifications about a missed delivery and are asked to click a link or provide personal details.

The warning was timed to the run-up to Prime Day 2026, which is expected to include major sales not only from Amazon but also from competing retailers. While the exact dates had not been confirmed at the time of the alert, the pattern is familiar: scammers know shoppers are in a buying mood and more likely to click impulsively.

Why It Matters

Prime Day generates billions in sales, making it a prime (no pun intended) target for fraud. The urgency of limited-time deals can override normal caution. According to the BBB, consumers who fall for these scams risk losing money directly—through outright theft or by paying for goods that never arrive—as well as exposing credit card numbers, addresses, and other personal data.

The risk is not just from obvious fake stores. Some phishing emails look nearly identical to legitimate Amazon correspondence. Others rely on lookalike domain names (e.g., amaz0n-deals.com instead of amazon.com). A quick click can lead to malware or a convincing login page that steals your credentials.

What Readers Can Do

You do not need to avoid Prime Day entirely to stay safe. A few practical habits reduce your risk significantly:

  • Shop directly through the official website or app. Do not click links in emails, text messages, or social media ads—even if they look legitimate. Open a browser and go to Amazon.com yourself, or use the Amazon app. Same rule applies for competing retailers.
  • Verify the URL before you enter any information. Look for https:// and a lock icon in the address bar. Check for typos or unusual domain names. If a site looks even slightly off, do not proceed.
  • Avoid any seller that demands payment by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency. These methods offer no buyer protection. Legitimate retailers will accept credit cards or established payment services.
  • Use a credit card rather than a debit card. Credit cards generally provide stronger fraud protection and allow you to dispute charges more easily. If your debit card is compromised, the money is taken directly from your bank account.
  • Check the seller’s reputation before buying from a third party. On Amazon, look at the seller’s rating and recent reviews. On unfamiliar sites, do a quick web search for the store name plus “scam” or “complaint.”
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Amazon account. This adds an extra layer of security even if your password is stolen.
  • Keep digital copies of receipts and order confirmations. If something goes wrong, you will need proof of purchase to file a dispute.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you have fallen victim to a scam, act quickly:

  1. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the fraudulent charge and request a chargeback.
  2. Change the password on your Amazon account and any other accounts that use the same credentials.
  3. Report the scam to the BBB’s Scam Tracker and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  4. Monitor your bank and credit card statements for any further unauthorized transactions.

Even if you are not sure whether a site or email is a scam, it is better to be cautious. The BBB’s warning is a reminder that during high-traffic shopping events, scammers rely on speed and distraction. Taking an extra minute to verify a deal can save you hours of frustration later.

Sources

  • BBB alert on online shopping scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day (WBKO, June 22, 2026)
  • Amazon Prime Day 2026 coverage (MSN, June 23, 2026)
  • Federal Trade Commission – ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  • BBB Scam Tracker – bbb.org/scamtracker